US tariffs: Steel and aluminium levies slapped on key allies

Trump announced in March that the United States would slap a 25 per cent tariff on imported steel and a 10 per cent tariff on imported aluminum, citing national security interests.

Washington exempted Canada and Mexico from the tariffs while negotiations continue to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, and South Korea agreed to quotas instead of tariffs. In terms of the NAFTA talks, the tariffs could hinder the negotiations among the North American neighbors. They are expected to lead to retaliation from European nations.

The decision sparks new concerns of a trade war with three of the United States' most important trading partners.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, who pushed the steel and NAFTA issues during her meeting on Tuesday in Washington with USA trade czar Robert Lighthizer, has also made it clear that Canada would retaliate if the duties are imposed.

The White House delayed implementation of the tariffs for some countries, giving those trading partners a chance to offer concessions to avoid the tariffs.

The Trump administration wants the European Union to cut back on its metals exports to the U.S.

"I would like to absolutely assure Canadians, particularly those who work in the steel and aluminium industries, that the government is absolutely prepared to and will defend Canadian industries and Canadian jobs", Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said earlier on Wednesday. "There is no longer a very precise date when they may be concluded and therefore they were added into the list of those who will bear tariffs", explained Ross on a background call with reporters Thursday morning.

The tariff exemptions for Canada, Mexico and the European Union expire on Friday. "Both Canada and Mexico will be put off by these tariffs, and may be less likely to agree to anything, for fear of looking like they are caving in to Trump's bullying".

EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom and Japanese Economy Minister Hiroshige Seko on Thursday warned against such a measure, saying it would cause "serious turmoil in the global markets".

Trump's tariffs come amid a global glut in steel and aluminum which experts blame on over-production in China. She spoke with him again later by telephone, but left the US capital on Wednesday morning empty-handed.

"We are prepared to react in a united and clear way whatever the decision of the (U.S.) president", he said.

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association of Canada, echoed Ms. Freeland. "How do you sit at the centre of the global economy and behave this way?"

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